Prevalência de periodontite apical em pacientes da Policlínica Odontológica da UEA

Abstract

Apical periodontitis (AP) is one of the sequelae of dental caries and periapical radiography is an essential diagnostic tool because it offers important evidence on AP progression, regression and persistence. Epidemiological studies of the prevalence of this disease are scarce in the country, and this study is justified by need to obtain this data, in order to establish preventive and therapeutic behaviors. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of AP in patients of the UEA Dental Polyclinic and to analyze the distribution of these events in relation to age, gender, dental groups and location. The dental records were assessed and scores were assigned to the radiographs according to the Ørstavik Periapical Index, ranging from 1 (healthy) to 5 (severe AP), where the apical lesion was considered when the score was equal to or greater than 3. The tabulated data and the items evaluated were compared using the Chi-square test. From a population of 237, the prevalence of AP was 40.5%, with predominance of female subjects (59%), but not statistically significant; age also did not present an influencing factor in the presence of apical lesions; the dental elements with highest scores were the incisors; and the maxilla presented more cases (69%) than the mandible. The results of this study are valuable evaluation tools and show the need to reinforce the importance of oral health with an integral part of the health of the individual.